Important Updates/Highlights

Veteran Suicide Prevention Week

Starting tomorrow, September 25, through October 2, I will be recognizing Veteran Suicide Prevention Week in partnership with Montgomery County, the Coatesville VA, and the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Throughout the week, we will host a series of events to honor the veterans we have lost to suicide, including a proclamation, a “Witting Tree” dedication, and a flag-raising ceremony.

According to the VA’s National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (2024), suicide was the 12th leading cause of death among veterans in 2022 (up from 13th in 2021) and the 2nd leading cause of death for veterans under age 45. Each day, 17 veterans die by suicide in the United States, and in Pennsylvania, approximately 250 veterans are lost each year.

It is especially important that veterans, their families, and all individuals know what resources are available, including the free 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We want every veteran to feel supported, acknowledged, and assured that we are here to help.

Witting Tree

Tomorrow, September 25, I will be hosting a Witting Tree Dedication for Veterans Suicide Prevention Week at the Eagleville Park Pavilion (100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville), in partnership with Montgomery County, the VA, and the Montgomery Suicide Prevention Taskforce.

This event will feature a brief program of speakers on veteran mental health and the placement of 17 dog tags to symbolize the number of veterans lost to suicide each day. It is open to veterans and first responders.

The public is invited to view the Witting Tree beginning at 4 p.m. tomorrow and continuing until sundown on Saturday, October 4.

The Witting Tree serves as a powerful tribute to raise awareness about veteran suicide and to spark vital conversations on prevention.

Flag Raising

On Friday, September 26, at 12 p.m., I will hold a ceremonial United States flag-raising for Veterans Suicide Prevention Week at the Montgomery County Courthouse (2 E. Airy Street, Norristown). This event is open to the public and does not require an RSVP. The ceremony honors Montgomery County veterans lost to suicide and raises awareness of available prevention services.

In addition to myself, attendees will include the Montgomery County Commissioners, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, county row officers, and staff. Professionals from the VA and the Montgomery County Suicide Prevention Task Force will also be on site to provide resources.

Road Alerts

Heads up, neighbors! PennDOT has announced that a lane closure will be in place on Ridge Pike between Germantown Pike and Crosskeys Road for ongoing utility construction, beginning Monday, Sept. 29, and continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 31. The lane closure will be in effect Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the duration of the project.

Drivers are advised to plan accordingly and practice safe driving habits while crews are at work.

House Fellowship Program Applications

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester (January–April). This program is based in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, and fellows will be assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership Offices.

Qualified applicants include:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;

Students enrolled in a Pennsylvania college or university, or Pennsylvania residents enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and

Students pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Applications are due next Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and can be emailed to: [email protected]

More information can be found at http://www.pahousefellowship.us/

Mitzvah Circle

Mitzvah Circle Foundation, a Montgomery County nonprofit that partners with hundreds of schools, charities, faith groups, agencies, organizations, and individuals to provide relief to families in crisis throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, recently experienced a fire. A significant number of donations intended for distribution throughout the region were damaged.

Members of the PA House and PA Senate have offered to serve as donation drop-off points to help replenish the most immediate critical needs:

Sneakers (all sizes: women’s, men’s, and children’s; new or gently used)
Underwear (women’s, men’s, and boys’; new)
Toiletries (new)
Baby items (new)

Please contact my office with any questions, and feel free to drop off donations Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 35 Evansburg Road.

Upcoming Community Days

My staff had a great time at Upper Providence’s Fall Festival last Saturday! Be sure to stop by our booth this Saturday, September 27, at Trappe Borough’s Community Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the graphic or list below for upcoming fall festivals and community days in our area:

Trappe Community Day
Saturday, September 27 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Water Works Park, 220 W. First Ave, Trappe, PA

Lower Providence 37th Annual Community Fall Festival
Saturday, October 4 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Eagleville Park, 100 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA

West Norriton Annual Fall Festival
Saturday, October 11 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Centennial Park, 2050 W. Marshall Street, Jeffersonville, PA

International Underground Railroad Month

September marks International Underground Railroad Month in Pennsylvania, honoring the courageous network of men and women who united to help enslaved people find freedom—a vital chapter in our nation’s history. The graphic above highlights the stories, history, and important events of the Underground Railroad that took place right here in Pennsylvania.

Helpful Information

October Mobile Office Hours

If you’re unable to make it to my district office for state-related assistance, my staff is available for mobile office hours on the first and second Wednesday of each month. Check out the September schedule below:

Wed., October 1

Upper Providence Township Office
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wed., October 8
W. Norriton Township Building

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

SEPTA Senior Pass

If you’re a senior 65 or older, you can ride SEPTA for free!

Stop by my district office at 35 Evansburg Road with a valid form of ID and my staff can help you sign up for a free SEPTA Senior Fare Card. My office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Victim Services

The Victim Services Center of Montgomery County is offering free virtual support groups for Fall 2025. The groups include adult survivors of child sexual abuse (18+), adult survivors of sexual assault (18+), survivors of homicide loss (18+) and young adult survivors of sexual assault (16-24).

You can sign up and find out more information by visiting their website at www.victimservicescenter.org/groups

QPR Training

QPR: Suicide Awareness is an upcoming seminar from Upper Providence Township Police Department and Montgomery County Department of Human & Health Services. This free, 18+ program will help you learn skills to identify and help someone showing suicidal warning signs.

When: On Thursday, October 23, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Upper Providence Township Meeting Hall

PHEAA

PHEAA is offering more financial aid webinars in September. Check out the list below and click the link to PHEAA’s website to sign up! www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/financial-aid-webinars

Searching for Scholarships & Affording the Balance

Thursday, September 25, from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Reminder! The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline has been extended to December 31, 2025. This program, which is available to older adults and people with disabilities aged 18 or older, provides support to homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000.

Forms are available for pickup at my district office! If you need assistance completing an application, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

For more information, additional ways to apply, and to check your eligibility, please visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/incentives-credits-and-programs/ptrr.html.

My Office Can Help!

If you need state-related assistance, my office can help you! Please feel free to contact my staff with any questions by calling 484-200-8263 or emailing [email protected]

Community Events

Tavern Night from Historic Trappe

Thursday, September 25, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Dewees Tavern, 301 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA

Movie in the Park: Hotel Transylvania from Lower Providence Township

Friday, September 26, at 7 p.m.

Eagleville Park – Community Lawn, 100 Parklane Drive, Norristown, PA

By the Light of the Moon from Upper Schuylkill Valley Park

Friday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m. & Saturday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m.

1615 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA

5th Annual "Fore the Kids” Golf Outing from Coffee Closet with Barista Jake

Friday, October 10, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

1615 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA

More information & sign up here:

Please continue to stay safe, healthy, and well-informed. And, if you have questions about any state-related issue, please contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected]. 

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Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District